An expert assessment into structural damage linked to the construction of Athens Metro Line 4 is expected within the next two weeks, as authorities work to determine how tunneling can safely resume in the Kypseli district.
According to officials, the report will be prepared by two experts—a German specialist and a professor from Greece’s National Technical University of Athens—who have been tasked with evaluating the area’s geological conditions and recommending measures to prevent further damage.
The investigation follows reports of significant structural deterioration affecting at least 15 to 20 apartment buildings during underground excavation works.
Metro Tunneling Suspended
Tunnel boring operations for the new metro line were suspended on May 8 after engineers detected unexpected ground movement in the area’s particularly weak geological formations.
According to the metro operator, the decision was made after monitoring revealed ground displacement exceeding the levels anticipated in the project’s original engineering studies.
The upcoming expert report is expected by the end of the month and will outline the conditions required for excavation work to restart safely.
Athens Mayor Calls for Safety Guarantees
During a meeting between Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, municipal officials, representatives of the metro company and local residents, the company reiterated that there is no immediate reason for concern.
However, it agreed to cooperate with Greece’s Technical Chamber and the country’s earthquake planning and protection authority to carry out detailed inspections of the affected buildings and provide residents with official safety certifications.
Four Requests from the Municipality
Following the meeting, the Municipality of Athens presented four key requests to the metro operator:
- Written guarantees confirming the structural integrity of affected buildings.
- Independent certification of building safety by a public authority.
- Compensation for residents and repairs to damaged properties in accordance with the law.
- A detailed public briefing once the experts’ report is completed, outlining the conditions for restarting construction.
“We support Metro Line 4, but we want every stage of the project to be carried out under safe conditions,” Mayor Doukas said.
